Direct From Hebei, China The Golden Dragon Acrobats Return to The Luhrs Center

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 2:00 AM

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Luhrs Center Box Office at 717.477.SHOW (7469) or online at luhrscenter.com.

Direct from Hebei, China, the magnificent athleticism of the Golden Dragon Acrobats returns to the Luhrs Center! The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time-honored tradition that began more than 25 years ago and is recognized as the premier acrobatic touring company of today.

The reputation of the company is solidly rooted in a commitment to the highest of production values and an attention to artistic details that is unparalleled in the art form. World-renowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.

The ancient art of Chinese Acrobatics is an old and long running tradition that began in China over two thousand years ago. Over its long and rich history it has developed as one of the most popular art forms among the Chinese people. While many historical records provide evidence for the development of Chinese acrobatics as far back as the Xia Dynasty (4000 years ago), it is most commonly believed that the art form did not become wildly popular until approximately 2,500 years ago when it began to capture the attention of the country's powerful emperors.

During the Warring States Period (475 BC - 221 BC) acrobatics in China began to evolve from the working lives of its people. Instruments of labor, such as tridents and wicker rings, and articles of daily use such as tables, chairs, jars, plates and bowls began to be used as performance props. This unorganized form of entertainment and leisure eventually evolved into a form of performance that became recognizable to the Chinese people.

During the Han Dynasty (221 BC - 220 AD) these rudimentary acts of acrobatics developed into the "Hundred Plays." More varieties were quick to develop. Musical accompaniment was soon added to the performance as interest in the art form grew among the emperors. During the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD) the number of acrobats greatly increased as the skills of each individual performer slowly began to become much more precise and amazing.

Since these early times, acrobatics have evolved into many forms of performances including dance, opera, martial arts, and sports. However, the impact of Chinese acrobatics goes far beyond the boundaries of performance as it has served an important role in the cultural exchange between China and Western nations, including the United States. The citizens of China continue to present their acrobatic art for the world today, as it portrays the hard working nature of their people and sets forth an example of the rich traditions of Chinese culture.

The Golden Dragon Acrobats most recently performed at the Luhrs Center in April 2008.

For additional information about the Golden Dragon Acrobats performance or other performances within the 2011-2012 Luhrs Center series, please call the Luhrs Center Box Office at 717.477.SHOW (7469) or visit the Luhrs Center website at Luhrscenter.com.

About the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University

The mission of the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University is to support and enhance the University's role in academic and cultural enrichment for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Luhrs Center's 1,500-seat state-of-the-art Grove Theatre is where programs to educate, enlighten and entertain are presented. Benefits of the Center to the region include expanding opportunities to participate in a wide range of cultural programming including full-scale Broadway companies, musical groups, symphonies, dance troupes and internationally known speakers. In addition, it adds options for professional training programs, youth programs and senior citizen programs; attracts regional and national business conferences, professional meetings and planning sessions; and additional visitors to the area which will result in a positive impact on the local and regional economy.